Cephalexin (Generic Health)™
Active ingredients: Cefalexin
Pack: Cephalexin (Generic Health) 500 mg capsule, 20, blister pack
Consumer medicine information
Read the CMI leaflet (Opens in new tab) for facts you need to know before, during and after taking your medicine.
For more information about CMIs and how to read them, please visit How to read Consumer Medicine Information (CMI).
What this medicine is used for
Respiratory tract infections caused by S. pneumoniae and group A beta-haemolytic streptococci (Penicillin is the usual drug of choice in the treatment and prevention of streptococcal infections, including the prophylaxis of rheumatic fever. CEPHALEXIN GENERICHEALTH Capsules are generally effective in the eradication of streptococci from the nasopharynx; however, substantial data establishing the efficacy of Cephalexin Capsules in the subsequent prevention of rheumatic fever are not available at present). Bacterial sinusitis caused by streptococci, S. pneumoniae and S. aureus (methicillin sensitive only). Otitis media. due to S. pneumoniae, Staphylococci. Skin and soft tissue infections caused by staphylococci and/or streptococci. Genitourinary tract infections, including acute prostatitis caused by E. coli, P. mirabilis and Klebsiella sp. The effectiveness of CEPHALEXIN GENERICHEALTH Capsules in the treatment of bacterial infections of the brain and spinal column has not been established and CEPHALEXIN GENERICHEALTH capsules are not indicated in these conditions. Note: Appropriate culture and susceptibility tests should be initiated prior to and during therapy to determine susceptibility of the causative organism to CEPHALEXIN GENERICHEALTH Capsule. Renal function studies should be performed when indicated.
Source: ARTG
Storage conditions
- Shelf lifetime is 2 Years
- Store below 30 degrees Celsius
Source: ARTG
How to use this medicine
Non-composite pack
This medicine contains one component only.
Component
- Capsule
- Oral
- Size '0' capsules with dark green cap imprinted with "500" in black ink and light green body without imprint.
Source: ARTG
Images

Images © Medicines Information Pty Ltd.
Do I need a prescription?
These medicine packs are available from a pharmacist and requires a prescription. It is Schedule 4: Prescription Only Medicine.
- 20 capsules
Source: ARTG
Is this medicine subsidised?
This medicine was verified as available on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on 1 August 2026, under the following PBS item codes:
Ask your pharmacist or doctor about your eligibility
Source: PBS
Reporting side effects
If you experience a side effect from this medicine, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Or report it directly to the TGA (Therapeutic Goods Administration).
You can report side effects to your doctor, or directly at Report an adverse event or safety problem (Opens in new tab)
Source: ARTG
Data sources
- Australian Health Thesaurus (AHT) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Australian Medicines Terminology (AMT) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods (ARTG) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 3 August 2026
- Medicines Information Pty Ltd (Opens in new tab) – Last updated on 4 March 2026
Disclaimer
Healthdirect medicines information is not intended for use in an emergency. If you are suffering an acute illness, overdose, or emergency condition, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance.
Reasonable care has been taken to provide accurate information at the time of creation. This information is not intended to substitute medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and should not be exclusively relied on to manage or diagnose a medical condition. Please refer to our terms and conditions (Opens in new tab).
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